LUCKNOW: The Khelo India University (KIUG) will begin the third edition of Khelo India Games in Uttar Pradesh, today May 23.
Over 4,000 athletes and officials from 207 universities across the nation are expected to compete in 21 events over the course of 12 days, with the event being dubbed the "biggest endeavour" undertaken by the state.
The majority of the activities will take place in five towns in Uttar Pradesh, however shooting contests will take place in New Delhi. The KIUG begins on Tuesday with kabaddi matches at the SVSP Sports Complex Indoor Hall in Gautam Buddha Nagar. On Thursday, Lucknow will host the KIUG's ceremonial opening ceremony.
This season will also see the introduction of water sports, as a rowing competition will take place in Taal Lake in Ramgarh, Gorakhpur.
Officials of numerous state sports groups, including the Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association, expressed disappointment with the state's inadequate sports infrastructure despite the fact that the yearly competition provides athletes with a good opportunity to establish themselves in the national athletic scene.
Due to a lack of sufficient infrastructure controlled by the UP Sports Directorate, all events during the 12-day Games will be held at "borrowed" locations.
"The Asian Games in 1982 and the Commonwealth Games in 2010 gave New Delhi the opportunity to develop a top-notch sporting infrastructure. It helps our athletes prepare more effectively and take home medals at competitions throughout the world, including the Olympics. And with KIUG, we anticipate development along those lines, at least in the state's institutions, according to Anandeshwar Pandey, secretary-general of the state Olympic association.
Sanjay Saraswat, executive director of the Lucknow centre of the Sports Authority of India, concurred that KIUG aids athletes in gaining some national exposure.
"The Khelo India University Games are being staged with the goal of ensuring fair play in sports after claims of widespread cheating in previously hosted school and university competitions. Every athlete should have the opportunity to show their worth."We need to have a robust policy for university athletes," noting that the university competitions assist a state's sporting infrastructure to develop, he said.
"KIUG is a big event in terms of the sporting development of the state, and I am sure it will give ample opportunity to athletes from Uttar Pradesh's universities to showcase their talent and win medals", said the state's sports director, R.P. Singh.